James Orengo Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Governor, Career

James Aggrey Bob Orengo is a distinguished Kenyan lawyer, human rights activist, and seasoned politician. Currently serving as the Governor of Siaya County since August 2022, Orengo has held various significant positions, including Member of Parliament, Minister for Lands, and Senator.

Renowned for his unwavering commitment to democracy and justice, he played a pivotal role in Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms. His legal acumen and political activism have earned him the title of Senior Counsel, reflecting his esteemed status in the Kenyan legal fraternity.

Profile

• Full Name: James Aggrey Bob Orengo
• Stage Name: James Orengo
• Born: February 22, 1951
• Age: 74 years old
• Birthplace: Kasipul Kabondo, Homa Bay County, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Occupation: Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Politician
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Apolo Stefano Olunga Orengo and Josfina Atieno Olunga Orengo
• Siblings: Okoth Orengo, Mary Awuor, Owino Orengo, Omondi Orengo
• Spouse: Betty Kaari Murungi
• Children: Zeni, Bob, Josephine, Lavender, Steven, Michael, Lynette Orengo
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Ksh 500 million

Early Life and Education

James Aggrey Bob Orengo was born on February 22, 1951, in Kasipul Kabondo, Homa Bay County, Kenya, to Apolo Stefano Olunga Orengo, a senior police chief, and Josfina Atieno Olunga Orengo, he grew up alongside with his siblings whose names are Okoth Orengo, Mary Awuor, Owino Orengo and Omondi Orengo.

He attended Ambira Primary School from 1954 to 1964, followed by Alliance High School from 1965 to 1970. In 1971, he enrolled at the University of Nairobi to study law, where he became the university president in 1973. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1974 and later joined the Kenya School of Law, eventually being admitted to the bar. Orengo is of Luo ethnicity, and his religious affiliation is not publicly disclosed.

Career

James Aggrey Bob Orengo began his career as a student leader at the University of Nairobi, where he was elected president in 1973. His activism against the single-party regime in Kenya led to multiple detentions and periods of exile in neighboring countries. In 1980, at the age of 29, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Ugenya Constituency on a KANU ticket, becoming the youngest MP in Kenya at the time. He later joined the opposition, advocating for multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms.

Throughout his political career, Orengo has held various significant positions. He served as the Minister for Lands from 2008 to 2013, during which he was instrumental in land reforms and exposed the Grand Regency Scandal. In 2013, he was elected as the Senator for Siaya County and was re-elected in 2017. In 2018, he became the Minority Leader of the Senate. Notably, he was part of the legal team that successfully challenged the 2017 presidential election results, leading to a historic annulment by the Supreme Court.

In August 2022, Orengo was elected as the Governor of Siaya County under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. His governance focuses on transparency, development, and upholding the rule of law. Beyond politics, Orengo continues to be a vocal advocate for human rights and constitutionalism in Kenya.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @orengo_james
• Facebook Handle: James Orengo
• Instagram Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

James Aggrey Bob Orengo is married to Betty Kaari Murungi, a distinguished advocate and human rights expert with extensive experience in transitional justice and gender issues. Together, they have seven children: Zeni, Bob, Josephine, Lavender, Steven, Michael, and Lynette Orengo. The family maintains a relatively private life, with Orengo known for his modest lifestyle despite his prominent public roles.

Net Worth

James Orengo’s net worth is estimated to be approximately Ksh 500 million. His wealth stems from his extensive career in law and politics, including his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Minister for Lands, Senator, and Governor. Additionally, his legal practice and various investments contribute to his financial standing.